211, Building Connections to Hope

Written by Emma Potter

211 provides a vital connection to community, social, government, and health resources that individuals and families need. A team of dedicated, knowledgeable and hard-working Community Resource Specialists are available 24/7. When you reach out to 211 you will connect with a warm welcoming and empathic person, we know reaching out can be difficult and the person on the other end of the line can make all the difference.

211 has come a long way since our humble beginnings, launching in Edmonton in 2004. In 2019, 211 Alberta received funding to expand the service province wide, thanks in large part to a dedicated group of individuals and organizations. With this expansion we are excited to have launched a texting service and expanded our online service offerings to include 24/7 live chat and a new 211 Alberta website (ab.211.ca).

In Edmonton, working with Living Hope Suicide Prevention Plan, 211 has become a key resource for those looking for information and resources around mental health and suicide prevention. 211 Community Resources Specialists are trained to assess any situation and ensure that those who reach out have seamless access to the best resources for them. Resources can include the local distress line, mental health intake, counselling, basic needs supports, the list goes on and on.

Now more than ever we are recognizing the need for people to have an easy to remember number to connect to when they don’t know where to turn, 211 is that service. You can access 211 24/7 by calling 211, texting INFO to 211 or visiting our website (ab.211.ca) and live chatting with us.

We are here to help.